April 02, 2020

**Due to COVID-19, this event has changed to a virtual, self-guided walk**

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We'll stroll down the path encircling Helms Lake and discuss the interesting history of the marina. The marina is a perfect place for a summer evening walk with great views, open water, and a variety of water birds to see. Bring your binoculars! Bathrooms available near the parking lot. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

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Directions: (300 Howard Dr, Sparks, NV 89434) From Idlewild Park, take a right on Booth Street and head South toward Keystone Avenue. Take a left on Keystone Avenue and head North towards I-80 East. Stay on I-80 East for approximately 5 miles and then take exit 19 (South McCarran Blvd.). Take a left onto South McCarran Blvd. and head North toward E. Lincoln way. Take a right on E. Lincoln way and then take a right onto Howard Drive. Finally, take a left into the large parking lot and you'll have arrived at you destination.

April 09, 2020

**Due to COVID-19, this event has changed to a virtual, self-guided walk**

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The Tom Cooke Trail is part of an urban trail system maintained by the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. The popular Tom Cooke Trail is in West Reno, next to the Truckee River. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians (no motorized vehicles). Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed and under control at all times.

Directions: (101 Woodland Ave, Reno, NV 89523) From Idlewild Park, turn right onto Hunter Lake Drive and head South toward Mayberry Drive. Take a right onto Mayberry Drive and head East for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto West 4th Street then take a left onto Woodland Avenue. Head straight for a quarter mile to the park entrance, approximately 0.5 miles and then turn right into Mayberry Park.

April 16, 2020

**Due to COVID-19, this event has changed to a virtual, self-guided walk**

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Join us at the former Rosewood Lakes Golf Course to learn about the Parks Foundation's project to restore this 219-acre property into a healthy wetland and Nature Study Area! The property is currently closed to the public, but through this Discover Your Parks walk, you can get a sneak peak of this ongoing project. These wetlands are home to a plethora of waterfowl and other wetland creatures, so keep your eyes peeled! Restrooms are available. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

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Directions: (6800 Pembroke Dr. Reno, NV 89502) From downtown, head East on I-80 to exit 20 towards Sparks Blvd/Veterans Pkwy for 6 miles then turn right onto Veterans Pkwy and travel 2.5 miles. Next, turn right onto Pembroke drive and the Rosewood office will be on your left.

April 23, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Come with your camera on this pleasant 0.7 mile loop featuring beautiful wildflowers. This walk is great for all skill levels. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome, and there is a pit toilet at the trailhead.

Directions: (Alexander Lake Rd, Reno, NV 89502) From the intersection of S. Virginia St. and S. McCarran Blvd., travel east on S. McCarran Blvd. for 1.4 miles. Turn right (south) onto Alexander Lake Rd. (one street east of Longley Lane). Drive one mile down the curvy road and the trailhead will be on your right-hand side directly after the water tank.

April 30, 2020

6:00 PM 

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is one of the largest parks in Washoe County at 580 acres. We’ll be exploring the Arboretum on this former working ranch. Join us as we talk about the massive amount of plants in the arboretum and discover the history of how this park came to be. Restrooms are available. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

Directions: (1595 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503) While traveling on I-80, take exit 13 and drive straight until you reach Sierra St. Turn north onto Sierra St., and continue for about .7 miles until you reach Putnam Dr./Hillside Dr. Turn left (west) onto Putnam Dr. and travel about 1,000 ft. There will be a parking lot on your right (north) where we'll meet (not the Wilbur D. May Center parking lot).

May 07, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Starting at the Truckee River, we'll check out the riparian area along the pathway and trek across the footbridge. Our halfway point will be the Tom Cooke Trailhead (we'll point out the steepness of the trail if you want to check it out or come back!), but instead of going up, we'll walk around the White Fir trail along the Highland ditch. This will be an easy 1 mile hike.

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Directions: (101 Woodland Ave, Reno, NV 89523) From Idlewild Park, turn right onto Hunter Lake Drive and head South toward Mayberry Drive. Take a right onto Mayberry Drive and head East for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto West 4th Street then take a left onto Woodland Avenue. Head straight for a quarter mile to the park entrance, approximately 0.5 miles and then turn right into Mayberry Park.

May 14, 2020

6:00 PM 

One of the most beloved parks in Reno, Idlewild Park is full of plenty of hidden ecological and historical gems. As the City of Reno's Aboretum, we’ll check out some of the rare trees that call this park home. Join us and find out just how special this park is. Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (50 Cowan Dr. Reno, NV 89509 ) From downtown Reno, 345 N Arlington Ave, drive south on Arlington Ave. and turn right (west) on 1st St. After 700 feet turn left (south) onto Riverside Dr., and follow the road until it crosses the river. Make your first right (east) on Idlewild Dr, and the park will be on your right. Turn right (north) onto Cowan Dr., and meet us at our office

May 21, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Join the Parks Foundation on this flat one-ish mile walk. This evening, we'll be walking with the sun at our backs toward the McCarran Bridge. Along the way we'll explore the Truckee River and see if we can kick up a skunk or two. We should arrive at the bridge right around dusk, and if we're lucky we'll get a chance to observe the Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge for their nightly feeding.

Directions: (3993 Coney Island Dr Sparks, Nevada 89431) From Idlewild Park, take a right on Booth Street and head South toward Keystone Avenue. Take a left on Keystone Avenue and head North towards I-80 East. Merge onto I-80 East and take exit 17 for Rock Blvd. Turn right onto Rock Blvd and travel south for 0.6 miles, then turn left onto Greg St. Travel east on Greg St for 0.8 miles then turn right onto Marietta Way. After a short 0.2 miles take the first left onto Coney Island Dr. We will be meeting at the Coney Island entrance at the intersection with Linda Way, next to the lamp post and Glendale Park sign.

May 28, 2020

6:00 PM 

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This restored section of the Truckee River was once part of a trailer park, but you would never know it today. With a beautiful mix of riparian and high desert views, this walk will take us through an interpretive area full of native plants and animals. There’s even a bit of a surprise at the end you won’t want to miss! Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (981 Lockwood Rd, Sparks, NV 89434) From the junction of the US-395 and I-80, head east on I-80E for seven miles. Take exit 22 for Lockwood. Turn right (southeast) onto Canyon Way and travel for 0.2 miles. Make your second right (east) just before crossing the river and head down the dirt road until you reach the trailhead parking lot. This is where we'll meet. See you all there!

June 04, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Ever wonder what Reno was like during the days of the wild west? Join us on an explorative journey through time as we talk about the Old Huffaker Schoolhouse and follow the Quail Run Trail to the Historic Ranch Heritage Preserve buildings that were brought to the park with the help of Truckee Meadows Remembered. Don’t miss this exciting look into Reno’s past! Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (6000 Bartley Ranch Rd, Reno, NV 89511) From South McCarran, turn south onto Lakeside Dr. Travel less than 0.5 mile down Lakeside Drive, turn left (southeast) onto Bartley Ranch Rd. Go under the covered bridge and turn into the parking lot on your right. We'll meet at the historic Huffaker School House on your right (west).

June 11, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Spanning 3 acres, Deer Park is one of the oldest parks in Sparks, and reported to be home to the oldest cottonwood trees in the city. First named Highland Park, this park was later named Deer Park in 1903 after six deer that were kept at Deer Park in a small zoo and the name remained. Come join us on a one mile walk in this urban park. Sidewalks and some grass trails. Parking and restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (1700 Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434) From Idlewild Park, take a right on Booth Street and head South toward Keystone Avenue. Take a left on Keystone Avenue and head North towards I-80 East. Merge onto I-80 East and take exit 17 for Rock Blvd. Turn left onto Rock Blvd and after 0.3 miles turn left onto Prater Way. Take the first right onto 18th St for parking, with additional parking on the next right on F St.

June 18, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Located on the northwest end of Reno, Rainbow Ridge Park has a great view of the mountains and a variety of park amenities. On this one-mile hike, we might see some quail, cotton-tail rabbits, or even a coyote. This park joins with the Chalk Bluff trail system so you'll definitely want to check it out again and again. Restrooms are available at the park. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Directions: (18250 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511) Take 395/280 to Mt Rose Highway (341 West). Drive about 5.5 miles to the Galena Visitor Center exit. We will meet in the first large parking area to your right (Galena Visitor Center).

June 25, 2020

6:00 PM 

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It's all about the high desert at Hidden Valley Regional Park. We'll meet at the trailhead and hike about one mile around the loop trail. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife -- including wild horses -- as the park is on the eastern edge of Reno. Bathroom facilities are nearby the parking lot. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Directions: (4740 Parkway Drive, Reno, NV 89502) From east McCarran Boulevard in Reno, turn east on Pembroke Drive, south on Parkway Drive and follow to Hidden Valley Regional Park.

July 02, 2020

6:00 PM 

Take a step back in time as we venture through this Washoe County park located just outside of Verdi. Discover the amazing history of how this park went from being a bustling lumber town, to a resort, to the park we see today. This is an incredibly ecologically diverse park because of it's proximity to the Truckee River, and its location in the transition zone between high desert and the Sierras. Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

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Directions: (561 Crystal Park Rd) Follow Interstate 80 West out of Reno, and take exit 5 for Verdi. Head straight and you'll reach a roundabout, take the second exit going straight through the roundabout (northwest) and follow 3rd St. (I-80 Business) for about 2.5 miles. Turn left (south) onto Crystal Park Road and make an immediate right (southwest) at the fork . Either continue past the overflow parking to your right or park there. We'll meet in the lower parking area at the bottom of the hill.

July 09, 2020

6:00 PM 

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The Riverwalk District has been a key part of Reno since the early 1900s and the parks along the river are just as important today as they were back then. Come learn about how they’ve grown and adapted with the city and pick up some fun Reno history as well! Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (339 W 1st St, Reno, NV 89503) Heading West on Interstate 80, take exit 12 onto Keystone Ave and turn left. Following Keystone Ave south for 0.9 miles, turn left onto 1st St. After 0.4 miles our meeting point will be on your right. We will meet at the intersection of Stevenson and 1st, at the bridge next to the giant butterfly statue.

July 16, 2020

6:00 pm

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Join us for a 1.2 mile stroll down the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail along the Truckee River. We'll explore Whitewater Park and see what plants and animals we can discover near dusk (racoons included!). Come check out this success story of urban revitalization and river corridor beautification.

Directions: (1515 S Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV 89502) From Interstate 80 East, take exit 17 onto Rock Blvd and turn right. Follow Rock Blvd for 0.9 miles. Crossing Greg St, take a right into the entrance to Rock Park and River's Edge RV Park. Turn left into the Rock Park parking lot.

July 23, 2020

6:00 PM 

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This park offers an escape to the wilderness without ever having to leave Reno city limits. Beavers, deer, and birds of all shapes and sizes have been spotted on this one-mile loop next to the Truckee River. You never know what you might see, but you are guaranteed an enjoyable time. Restrooms are available. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

Directions: (3100 Dickerson Rd, Reno, NV 89503) Heading west on I-80 take exit 12 on to Keystone Ave. Turn left (south) onto Keystone and take a right on to West 2nd St. Follow West 2nd St until it turns into Dickerson Road. Follow Dickerson Road until you enter Oxbow Nature Study Area and we will meet in the parking lot.

July 30, 2020

6:00 PM 

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This park sits right on the Truckee River and is a part of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail. It’s popular with cyclists, hikers, and dog walkers alike. On this walk, we'll wade our way to learn about river health . No restrooms are available, but well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (6331 Mayberry Dr, Reno, NV 89519) From I-80W, take exit 10 for McCarran Blvd W. and turn left (south) onto N. McCarran Blvd. Travel .7 miles and turn right (west) onto W. 4th Street. Travel 1.7 miles on W. 4th St. and turn left (south) onto Mayberry Drive. Drive .3 miles on Mayberry Dr. and Dorostkar Park will be on your left (north). We'll meet in the parking lot.

August 06, 2020

6:00 PM 

Discover the secret side of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park as we walk along this interpretive nature trail. Explore the wetland at the base of Evans Canyon and learn what plants indicate water sources. If we’re lucky, we will see a family of Great Horned Owls! No restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Directions: (2975 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89506) From I-80 in Reno, take Exit 15 for US395-North toward Susanville. Take exit 70A (North McCarran) and stay in the left two lanes. Turn left (west) onto McCarran. Continue driving West for two miles. Turn right (north) on North Virginia Street and get into the left lane. In 1/4 mile, turn left (west) into Rancho San Rafael North Entrance (Basque Monument/Reno Sports Complex). Park in the far right corner of the parking lot by the Evans Canyon Trailhead/Basque Monument.

August 13, 2020

6:00 PM

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Davis Creek Regional Park once was a part of the 4,000-acre Winters Ranch, known in the mid to late-1800s for its thoroughbred horses. The area opened as a park in 1969. We will learn more about Davis Creek park as we walk the 0.7 mile long Nature Trail. Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

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Directions: (25 Davis Creek Camp Ground Rd, New Washoe City, NV 89704) Drive south on I-580 and take Exit 50 for Bowers Mansion Road/Nevada 429/Old US-395. Turn right (south) onto Old US-395/Bowers Mansion Rd. Take the 1st right (west) onto Davis Creek Campground Road.

August 20, 2020

6:00 PM 

Located at the base of Mt. Rose, Galena Creek Regional Park offers stunning views of the Sierra Mountains. Large Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines line the loop we will be walking and there’s a chance we might even see a black bear. Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

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Directions: (18350 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511) Take the I-580/395 South towards Carson City. Take exit 56 to merge onto Mt Rose Pkwy and continue west for 6.1 miles. Take a right into the Galena Creek Regional Park South Entrance and stay to the right to enter the parking lot.

August 27, 2020

6:00 pm

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As a culturally rich park along the Truckee River, Crissie Caughlin Park is the perfect summer stop. The park features picnic sites, a playground, and a horseshoe pit. Crissie Caughlin Park makes its mark along the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail. West of the horseshoe pit, the bicycle and pedestrian trail continues along the Truckee River: welcome to the Schiappacasse River Pathway. This paved path connects Crissie Caughlin Park with Betsy Caughlin Donnelly Park via the Alum Creek trail. Restrooms are available, and well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Directions: (3415 Idlewild Dr. Reno, NV 89509) From I-80, take exit 12 for Keystone ave. Head south on Keystone ave. Travel down Keystone Ave. for about 1 mile and then turn right onto California Ave. Finally, turn left onto Idlewild Drive and your destination should be about 0.2 miles down the road.

September 03, 2020

6:00 PM 

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Virginia Lake is home to some of the most diverse urban water birds. This man-made lake has a fully paved path around the perimeter and an adjacent dog park. We'll stroll this busy pathway, while exploring lake ecology and identifying the birds along this one-mile walk. Bring your binoculars! Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Directions: (1980 Lakeside Dr, Reno, NV 89509) From the intersection of 4th St. and S. Virginia in Downtown Reno, head south on S. Virginia St. for 1.7 miles. Turn right (west) onto Plumb Lane and drive one block. Turn left (south) onto Lakeside Drive and travel .4 miles on the west side of the lake. We'll meet at the playground at the southwest corner of the lake.

September 10, 2020

6:00 PM 

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We'll be exploring 1.2 miles of some of the last open space in Sparks. Great views from a lookout are attained after moderate climb of a few hundred yards. We'll look at desert wildlife and discuss the mining history of this interesting area. Pit toilets are available at the parking lot. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Directions: (11 Disc Dr, Sparks, NV 89436) From Interstate 80 East, take exit 18 onto Pyramid Way. Continue on Pyramid Way for 2.9 miles and turn right into the Sparks Galleria Shopping Center on Disc Dr. Take the immediate first right into the trailhead parking lot where we will be meeting.

September 17, 2020

7:00 PM 

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Please note this walk starts at 7:00 pm. Join us for one of the most exciting shows nature offers as we watch thousands of Brazilian free tailed bats fly out for their nightly feeding. As we walk along to river to watch the bats, we could also see beavers, skunks and other wildlife. You won’t want to miss this walk. Restrooms are available. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. We kindly request that all attendees refrain from attempting to touch the bats or disrupt their feeding.

Directions: (777 Spice Islands Drive, Sparks) Heading east on I-80, take exit 19 and turn south on McCarran Blvd. about .75 miles and turn left onto Greg St. Take your first right onto Spice Island Dr. and follow that about .5 miles to Cottonwood Park on your right. Look for the Parks Foundation banner near the picnic tables.

September 24, 2020

6:00 PM

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Join us at the former Rosewood Lakes Golf Course to learn about TMPF’s project to restore this 219-acre property into a healthy wetland with a new Nature Study Area! The property is currently closed to the public, but through this Discover Your Parks walk, you can get a sneak peak of this ongoing project. These wetlands are home to a plethora of waterfowl and other wetland creatures, so keep your eyes peeled! Restrooms are available. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

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Directions: (6800 Pembroke Dr. Reno, NV 89502) From downtown, head East on I-80 to exit 20 towards Sparks Blvd/Veterans Pkwy for 6 miles then turn right onto Veterans Pkwy and travel 2.5 miles. Next, turn right onto Pembroke drive and the Rosewood office will be on your left.